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24. Debates and Answers
- Hong Kong University Press, HKU
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Debates and Answers "Thoroughly let us consult," - therein is a reference to debate (yi), a word that reminds us of the notion of appropriateness (yi), the appropriateness ofjudgement. Commenting on the water image the Jie hexagram of the Yijing says, "This is how the native gentleman, debating on the nature ofvirtue, arrives at the rules of action." The Shujing says, "If you will debate particular issues against the background of accepted rules of action, you will not err in your governance." In the general philosophy of the canonical classics it seems that regulation and restraint are essential to debate. Debate has had a long history, going back to the debate conducted by the Yellow Emperor in the Bright Terrace, ifwe accept the evidence of Guan Zhong. When the disastrous deluge came Yao consulted the ministers of the four mountains; for the appointment of five heads of staff Shun had to make an enquiry; and in the heyday ofthe three dynasties the opinions ofcutters ofwood and grass on matters of state were sought. In the Spring and Autumn period, when Duke Xiang of Song was released Duke Xi of Lu contributed an opinion; during the Warring States period, when King Wuling of Zhao proposed to adopt foreign accoutrements, his uncle disputed with him; and when Shang Yang introduced his law reforms, Gan Long queried him on specific points. Although the details are too numerous for us to accommodate the respect for the alternative position in each of these cases must surely inspire our admiration. Mixed debate (boyi) was first introduced in the Han period. It was given the name because it was not pure. Against the background of cultural refinement ofthe Han numerous forms of debate were fully perfected, and there were a host Debates and Answers I 91 of talents, whose eloquence filled the court. Jia Yi for instance proved himself extraordinarily quick-witted as a debater when he spoke on behalf of the older scholars. As for Wuqiu Shouwang and his speech in defense ofthe right to carry a bow, Han Anguo and his case against confrontation with the Xiongnus, Jia Juanzhi's argument against fighting the enemy at Zhuya, and Liu Xin's reply to the suggestion that Emperor Wu's temple be demolished, they all managed to stick to their guns although the abilities ofthe speakers varied enormously. And as for Zhang Min's judgement on the insulting of the neighbour's parent, Guo Gong's defense of unlicensed execution, Cheng Xiao's attack on the Gestapo, Sima Zhi's affirmation ofthe uses ofmonetary currency, He Zeng's amendment of the law for married women, and Qin Xiu's choice ofa posthumous title for Jia Chong, they were all appropriately supported by hard facts and so satisfied the best standards of debate. The mixed debate thrived in Han times and Ying Shao was its leading exponent. It continued to do well in the Jin period, when the outstanding practitioner was Fu Xian. But while Ying Shao was at home with classical learning and wrote systematically, Fu Xian the expert on government stood in need of pruning. Lu Ji's "Final verdict" was in some ways as sharp as an awl but its deep structure rather suffered from an excess of surface verbiage. Still, each ofthese writers distinguished himself in some way and their styles survive as objects of emulation. Ifyour concern is with the serious conduct ofpublic affairs, or the forces of stress and relaxation in matters of state, then you should plan and discuss before you take action, and make sure that unknown factors are ironed out. And in the planning and discussion - in the debate - whether the basic structure can stand always hinges on the canonical classics. You have also to cull the old facts of the past and keep an eye on the transformations and adaptations that are permitted today. The rule is in matters of substance never to rock the boat and in style never to write as you please. As well you ought to have great insight in the rituals to write on sacrifice, to be practised in soldiery to write on warfare, to know something about farming in general to write on growing grains, and to know the law full well to write on court judgements. When these conditions are satisfied you highlight what you write with strong arguments, and yet keep yourself in restraint by means ofunbiased language. Pure, clear-headed language is always the best, contrived exuberance holds no...